J.J. Abrams and Peter Mayhew Love Chewbacca Mom’s Contagious Laughter

Dallas mom, Candace Payne, is now known as “Chewbacca Mom” after she posted a video of herself on Facebook sporting a Chewbacca mask that she bought at Kohl’s. Candace made the video for her friends and was hoping to get at least 5,000 views. The video went viral and, within 3 days, it was viewed more than 140 million times and her contagious laughter was heard in TV spots around the world.

Candace appeared on Monday’s episode of “The Late Late Show” with James Corden who recruited Payne to drive him to work. Corden surprised Candace by inviting J.J. Abrams, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” director and co-writer, to ride along.

That wasn’t the only surprise in store for Candace: she will soon be meeting the real deal: actor Peter Mayhew. Candace said in the original video that the Chewbacca mask is the best birthday present she ever gave herself. Sharing her birthday gift has, as it turned out, been a bright spot in the day for everyone who has seen it.